First BCA Edition. Hardback. Octavo. 275pp. Original black boards with gilt lettering to spine. Near fine book with sharp corners and clean cloth, presenting just minor bumping to the spine ends. Content is crisp, bright, and free from foxing. Inscribed and signed by the author in blue ink to the title page: "I do hope you enjoy reading it, Rupert. Signed Colin Dexter." In a near fine, unclipped dust wrapper showing minimal edge wear and light creasing to the top spine header, otherwise vibrant and structurally sound. A highly presentable copy of the ninth Inspector Morse novel, featuring a scarce personal inscription.

Synopsis When a wealthy American tourist is found dead from an apparent heart attack in Oxford's Randolph Hotel, the local authorities initially treat the tragedy as an unfortunate accident. However, Chief Inspector Morse refuses to look past the simultaneous disappearance of the Wolvercote Tongue, a priceless, jewel-encrusted antique artifact the victim intended to donate to the Ashmolean Museum. When a second, brutally battered body is dragged from the River Cherwell just two days later, Morse and his trusty partner, Sergeant Lewis, must unpick a web of lies, alibis, and red herrings hidden among the remaining members of the American tour group to unmask a killer.